Expert Pick of the Week: Indiana Derby

Jul 09, 2026 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Our Moneyman wins at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)

A fine field of eight three-year-old horses are expected to contest Saturday’s $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The 1 1/16-mile dirt tilt lacks a true standout, and two contenders in the field appeal to me most. The Joe Sharp-trained Creole Chrome has proven to be too good for his fellow Louisiana-bred foes and will make his third graded-stakes bid in this offering.

By solid sire Volatile, the chestnut colt, purchased for $55,000 as a yearling, was unplaced in his two prior races against top runners, but flashed some potential in each of those tries. He was second until late, ultimately finishing fourth in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland on April 4, then sixth in the one-turn Pat Day Mile (G2) while facing some fine foes. He fits well in this particular race and will be in the hunt from the opening bell with Junior Alvarado in the irons, thanks to his natural speed.

💰 OUR MONEYMAN got a stalking trip in the Crescent City Oaks at @fairgroundsnola for trainer Bret Calhoun with @a_concepcion16 aboard!

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/yXMEltStWu

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) March 22, 2026

The Bret Calhoun-trained Our Moneyman, also a Cajun-bred, comes off an especially good run when, well clear in second behind Kentucky Derby favorite Further Ado in the Matt Winn (G3) at Churchill Downs in his latest showing. By the good regional sire Mr. Money, the colt was always talented but has taken the next step since stretching out in distance in his last three assignments, and his best run will have him in contention late in his first run on the local surface.

The Allied Racing Stable homebred does his best running from off of the early pace and landed in a field with some speedy types signed on to aid his closing kick. He has won or placed in each of his three runs at today’s distance and will be making his move approaching the turn for home with regular pilot Axel Concepcion staying in the silks.

Expert Pick

An exacta box with #4 Our Moneyman and #6 Creole Chrome in the 2026 Indiana Derby is the Best Bet of the Week.